170 WOUND TREATMENT 



synovia. The larger the joint capsule and the smaller 

 the external wound, the longer our antiseptic will re- 

 main in contact with the inflamed tissues as the glycerin, 

 being thick, does not flow through a small opening. 



In treating the second group of open joints, those 

 joints in which ankylosis does not impair materially the 

 value of the animal, we believe the treatment should be 

 much the same in the beginning as for the first group. 

 If we find the secreting membranes are highly infected 

 and cartilages are becoming eroded, ankylosis is bound 

 to occur, and we should direct our treatment toward 

 hastening the process. 



In this group we can use the bandage and antiseptic 

 pack to good advantage, as all of these joints may be 

 readily bandaged. The application of a 1/100 corrosive 

 sublimate or other antiseptic pack should prevent fur- 

 ther infection to the part. In making the pack, we have 

 found it advisable to use gauze in place of cotton, as 

 the gauze allows the secretion to pass through and thus 

 drain away, while the cotton has a tendency to dam 

 back the secretions and hold them in contact with the 

 wound, thus preventing the flushing action produced by 

 the secretion of synovia. The free discharge of synovia 

 acts as a flushing agent and thus carries out infection 

 and pus from the joint cavity. The proper applica- 

 tion of the pack and bandage constitutes the first prin- 

 ciple in the treatment of inflammation — namely, rest to 

 the part — by preventing or lessening the motion of the 

 joint. Motion results in irritation to the tissues and 

 promotes infection. We may render the joint immov- 

 able by the use of splints, shoes with a brace, or tar 

 bandages and heavy packs. That this greatly lessens 

 the infection and pain is shown by the unusual amount 

 of weight the animal will bear on the part. 



